See below a final message from our newly retired minister, Rev Hugh Watt, along with some photos from his final service with us last weekend.
“I need to write one more message to you before I “go”.
Many of you were around on Saturday and Sunday, but for those who were not able to join in the weekend celebrations, I need to reiterate my sincere thanks to you for your part in my journey – or perhaps adventure – of the last 27 years. I can tell you that when I arrived in January 1996, I had no idea that I would retire from Urquhart and Glenmoriston. Nonetheless, I am so thankful to God for all the years He has helped and guided me in my ministry, and our family in our ups and downs of daily life. In His grand scheme, He placed us amongst you – the people of this congregation – and we are so thankful that you have stood with us all these years and supported and cared for and prayed for us over all this time. There is really no such thing as a “one-man-ministry” – the work of God simply cannot go on unless the family pull together and each plays their God-given part. Over these years I have let God down on so many occasions – and I have let you down also, and even as I seek your forgiveness, I sense, from the warmth we have experienced from you, that many of you have forgiven my many offences. Thank you. I guess it is a good lesson to learn – namely that we all (even – especially? – ministers) have feet of clay.
I also want to leave you with this. The Christian life involves looking back, looking forward and living in the moment. I trust we can all look back with thanksgiving at the kindness of God – both to ourselves and to others. Never stop looking back with gratitude. However, don’t stop in the past – we also need to look forward in faith. The God Who has guided and helped us so wonderfully in bygone days (good times and bad) will undoubtedly help us in the days to come (however unknown and bleak they may sometimes seem). Those two attitudes of thanks and faith ought to shape how we live today. God’s beloved children, priests and saints, children of the Heavenly King, loved beyond measure by our Maker – let us move into the future with holy boldness – loving our Lord with heart and soul and mind and strength and loving one another and our neighbours.
We also want to thank you for the great generosity you have shown us in our parting gift(s).
God bless you. Your former minister, brother in Christ, and friend,
Hugh
Urquhart & Glenmoriston Parish Church 